Title: Displaced women in the Goma camps: a daily struggle for their survival
Introduction :
In the Goma camps, hundreds of thousands of displaced people live in precarious conditions, facing a daily struggle for survival. Among these vulnerable people, women are particularly at risk, and alarming cases of sexual assault have been reported. This situation is unacceptable and requires increased mobilization of humanitarian actors, donors and Congolese authorities to improve the living conditions of displaced women and reduce the risk of attack. In this article, we will explore the challenges these women face, the initiatives in place to support them, and the actions needed to ensure their protection.
1. Precarious conditions and increased risks
Displaced women in Goma camps face precarious living conditions, with limited access to food and basic necessities. This vulnerability increases the risk of sexual assault, particularly when they leave the camp to look for wood or food. They thus find themselves exposed to violence which worsens their already difficult situation.
2. The alarming scale of sexual assault
Every day, around 70 women victims of sexual assault come to the structures set up by MSF in the camps. The figures are alarming and reveal the urgency of effective intervention. In addition, attacks are increasingly violent, with associated physical injuries and an increasing number of victims who are repeatedly raped.
3. The need for a global response
Faced with this situation, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to protect displaced women. In addition to medical and psychological care, initiatives such as community awareness, the provision of contraceptive services and support for women victims of violence are essential.
4. Empowerment and psychosocial support
Beyond medical care, it is important to offer displaced women psychosocial support to help them overcome trauma and regain their confidence. Counseling services and skills-building programs can contribute to their empowerment and reintegration into society.
Conclusion :
The situation of displaced women in the Goma camps is alarming and requires urgent attention. Strengthening protection measures, improving living conditions in camps and raising awareness in communities is essential to ending sexual assault. Displaced women must be supported, protected and offered reconstruction opportunities to enable them to rebuild and get their lives back on track.. Only coordinated and lasting action can bring real change in the lives of these vulnerable women.